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What Are the Causes of Thrombocytopenia?

Maggie J. Hall
Maggie J. Hall

Thrombocytopenia is a disorder in which the body is either unable to produce an adequate number of platelets or in which platelets in the bloodstream, liver, or spleen are destroyed. The condition may be congenital, may result from infection, or be a medication side effect. Dietary deficiencies, autoimmune disorders, and medical treatments may also cause thrombocytopenia.

Inherited conditions are one of the causes of thrombocytopenia. For example, Falconi’s anemia is a congenital condition that may affect platelet formation in the bone marrow at a molecular level. Researchers believe that the disease produces proteins that interfere with normal deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) production. Cells are unable to develop normally or reproduce without the proper genetic coding. DNA and protein synthesis can also be disrupted by severe bacterial, fungal, or viral infections.

Blood transfusions can cause thrombocytopenia.
Blood transfusions can cause thrombocytopenia.

Chemotherapy, and the antiseizure medication valproic acid, often interfere with the proteins necessary for platelet production, resulting in thrombocytopenia. Causes of thrombocytopenia can also include vitamin deficiencies. Folic acid, also known as vitamin B9, and vitamin B12 are necessary for protein production. Excess alcohol consumption can inhibit vitamin absorption and cause thrombocytopenia by interfering with protein production.

Consuming too much alcohol can cause thrombocytopenia by interfering with protein production.
Consuming too much alcohol can cause thrombocytopenia by interfering with protein production.

When platelets and other blood cells fail to mature properly, they may die in the bone marrow or shortly after entering the bloodstream. These accumulations of dead cells may hinder platelet development and circulation. Clogged pathways in bone marrow and the bloodstream may generate more cell death and thrombocytopenia. Autoimmune processes and chemicals also cause thrombocytopenia by direct destruction of the platelets.

Chemotherapy can contribute to diminished platelet counts.
Chemotherapy can contribute to diminished platelet counts.

Lupus and rheumatoid arthritis typically trigger immune responses that attack the body itself. These responses can be one of the causes of thrombocytopenia when antibodies consume or destroy platelets. Chemotherapy, heparin, infections, and various toxic substances can also contribute to diminished platelet counts in this manner. Antibodies produced through an autoimmune response generally attach to platelets and trigger a destructive action when the platelets pass through the liver or spleen.

Thrombocytopenia occurs when platelets in the liver are destroyed.
Thrombocytopenia occurs when platelets in the liver are destroyed.

Blood transfusions, cancer, and surgery can also be causes of thrombocytopenia, as they may produce a condition known as disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC). The body initially responds to a perceived injury by releasing proteins. These proteins may become overactive, creating numerous blood clots, which impede circulation and organ function. The massive release of proteins eventually causes depletion, which diminishes platelet development and function. Subsequently, patients experience excessive bleeding and further platelet loss.

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    • Blood transfusions can cause thrombocytopenia.
      By: Pavle
      Blood transfusions can cause thrombocytopenia.
    • Consuming too much alcohol can cause thrombocytopenia by interfering with protein production.
      By: KoMa
      Consuming too much alcohol can cause thrombocytopenia by interfering with protein production.
    • Chemotherapy can contribute to diminished platelet counts.
      By: prudkov
      Chemotherapy can contribute to diminished platelet counts.
    • Thrombocytopenia occurs when platelets in the liver are destroyed.
      By: 7activestudio
      Thrombocytopenia occurs when platelets in the liver are destroyed.
    • Cancer patients often have special catheters placed that make it easier to monitor blood platelets.
      By: Photographee.eu
      Cancer patients often have special catheters placed that make it easier to monitor blood platelets.
    • Rheumatoid arthritis may be the cause of thrombocytopenia, as it triggers an immune response for the body to attack itself.
      By: rob3000
      Rheumatoid arthritis may be the cause of thrombocytopenia, as it triggers an immune response for the body to attack itself.
    • Thrombocytopenia is a disorder in which platelets in the bloodstream, liver or spleen are destroyed.
      By: stockshoppe
      Thrombocytopenia is a disorder in which platelets in the bloodstream, liver or spleen are destroyed.
    • Thrombocytopenia occurs when the body is unable to produce enough platelets, or when platelets in the bloodstream, liver or spleen are destroyed.
      By: designua
      Thrombocytopenia occurs when the body is unable to produce enough platelets, or when platelets in the bloodstream, liver or spleen are destroyed.